It’s been six years since Latino hardcore fury group La Armada released their full-length, self-titled debut album. It has been nearly four years since the Dominican-turned-Chicagoan based band released Crisis, a highly political seven-track EP that solidified the band’s unique crossover sound–a blending of hardcore punk and metal with native Dominican rhythms. It’s been over four months since the group’s last Chicago appearance when the five-piece band … Continue reading La Armada debuts new album at Cobra Lounge record release show

I’ve been reminiscing about summer DIY shows lately. Do you remember those? The ones where you could go crazy in the pit because you didn’t have three layers of hoodies weighing you down. Those shows you could walk to with your friends while enjoying the sun instead of waiting 15 minutes for the bus as the city’s brutal wind whips your face. When I think … Continue reading Brutal spring weather won’t stop Chicago’s DIY shows

By Nicole Roberts and Phil Collins The amount of Chicago talent releasing new music in the next few months is overwhelming. So overwhelming, in fact, that it takes two just to write about it! For these upcoming release previews, Locals Only has partnered with Change the Rotation in order to bring you more information about what’s new in DIY music. Death of Self Look Elsewhere … Continue reading Change the Rotation x Locals Only Spring Previews

Looking for something to do this Halloween weekend? Look no further! Whether you want to dress up, get rowdy, and mosh with skeletons and vampires, or if you’d rather ditch the costumes, chill out and listen to some great cover bands, Locals Only has compiled a great selection of the spookiest Halloween themed shows going on in Chicago this weekend. Friday, October 27th Havoc Fest … Continue reading The spookiest Halloween shows You NEED to see this weekend

Nearly a year after releasing the trailer for Straight Edge Kegger, a film featuring a young punk and a houseful of drunks squaring off against a gang of militant straight edgers, Weird On Top Pictures and director Jason Zink are ready to begin filming the full movie. Next Monday, September 18th, the Subterranean in Wicker Park will be hosting a FREE show with local punk bands, UGLYBoNES and … Continue reading Extras Needed! Chicago DIY scene to be featured in "Straight Edge Kegger"

While Mondays are usually recognized as the beginning of the dreaded work week, this particular Monday, August 7th, marks the end of Lollapalooza, a four-day music festival held in Grant Park. Through the Love Hope Strength Foundation, I was given the opportunity to work the festival and catch a few free sets. Day by day, here are a few takeaways, cringe-worthy moments, and footage of … Continue reading LollapaLOSER: Takeaways from Lolla 2017

I couldn’t be more pumped to see Wavves at the Bottom Lounge with Post Animal this coming Tuesday night. To add to the excitement of what I’m sure will be an incredible show, the band released their sixth album, You’re Welcome, on Friday, May 19th. Overall Rating: B++ Wavves is a rarity to me in the sense that every album they put out trumps their … Continue reading Wavves release ‘You’re Welcome’ four days prior to Chicago tour date

The punk rock gallery united the music community and revamped the standard for free art shows By Nikki Roberts On April 1st, I attended the Ramones: What is this punk rock? photo show at the Co-Prosperity Sphere in Bridgeport. Nearly thirty-seven years ago, photographer Frank Jackowiak not only saw the Ramones play at College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn, IL during the band’s college tour … Continue reading Ramones photo show paves way for new community events